Loomcraft Imports Nannucci to Import Wovens
August 7, 2002
FRANKFURT, Germany - Loomcraft Textiles has formed a new division named Loomcraft International to focus on importing first quality fabrics into the U.S.A., primarily from Italy, under the direction of Franco Nannucci.
''This is the first time that Loomcraft has ever dealt in first quality goods on an exclusive, serious basis,'' said Ron Frankel, president and principal of Loomcraft. ''It has always been known as a seconds and closeout house.''
Loomcraft International will produce its own designs in Italy with contract weavers in the middle price level from $6.95 to $14.95 FOB to the furniture industry, Frankel said.
''We plan a standard product plus contemporary product with an Italian touch. Americans are starting to import quite a lot of contemporary furniture from Spain, France, Germany and Italy. We see a niche there for Loomcraft,'' Frankel said.
He said the company plans to bring on containerloads and keep goods in stock. ''We''re not in this business to bring in a sample and maybe place an order with our supplier for two yards. We''ve already bought 40-50,000 yards. We expect to make a seven-figure commitment to this business.
''We love tough business conditions because the weaker players leave the market and we get stronger.''
In February, Nannucci moved from his native Italy to Greensboro, N.C., with his wife and son. He reports directly to Frankel. He was previously export sales manager of the well-known Italian upholstery weaver Mario Sirtori. He held that post for two years and prior to that, he was director of marketing and product development for Vellutex, an Italian mill (now known as Detoffe). Before he worked for Vellutex, Nannucci ran his own yarn and ladies garment business, which continues under his father and brother.
''Loomcraft went from three buildings to one facility two years ago with 1.6 million square feet of warehouse space in Greensboro,'' said Frankel. ''We only occupy 400,000 square feet with our existing business so we thought that Nannucci could help us develop our first quality imported fabrics business. He is known to the American customer who he will continue to serve in this new position.''
''This is the first time that Loomcraft has ever dealt in first quality goods on an exclusive, serious basis,'' said Ron Frankel, president and principal of Loomcraft. ''It has always been known as a seconds and closeout house.''
Loomcraft International will produce its own designs in Italy with contract weavers in the middle price level from $6.95 to $14.95 FOB to the furniture industry, Frankel said.
''We plan a standard product plus contemporary product with an Italian touch. Americans are starting to import quite a lot of contemporary furniture from Spain, France, Germany and Italy. We see a niche there for Loomcraft,'' Frankel said.
He said the company plans to bring on containerloads and keep goods in stock. ''We''re not in this business to bring in a sample and maybe place an order with our supplier for two yards. We''ve already bought 40-50,000 yards. We expect to make a seven-figure commitment to this business.
''We love tough business conditions because the weaker players leave the market and we get stronger.''
In February, Nannucci moved from his native Italy to Greensboro, N.C., with his wife and son. He reports directly to Frankel. He was previously export sales manager of the well-known Italian upholstery weaver Mario Sirtori. He held that post for two years and prior to that, he was director of marketing and product development for Vellutex, an Italian mill (now known as Detoffe). Before he worked for Vellutex, Nannucci ran his own yarn and ladies garment business, which continues under his father and brother.
''Loomcraft went from three buildings to one facility two years ago with 1.6 million square feet of warehouse space in Greensboro,'' said Frankel. ''We only occupy 400,000 square feet with our existing business so we thought that Nannucci could help us develop our first quality imported fabrics business. He is known to the American customer who he will continue to serve in this new position.''